The Supreme Court has upheld the Court of Appeal’s decision which nullified the conviction and sentence earlier imposed on former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Sokoto, Major General Hakeem Otiki, by a General Court Martial.
In a unanimous ruling delivered by a five-member panel on Friday, the apex court dismissed the Nigerian Army’s appeal and affirmed the judgment that discharged and acquitted the senior officer.
The case stemmed from a July 2019 incident in which Otiki, then GOC of the 8 Division in Sokoto, allegedly ordered soldiers to convey ₦100 million by road from Sokoto to Abuja.
The funds were reportedly meant for the purchase of furniture for renovated military quarters but went missing during transit.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Army subjected him to trial before a General Court Martial.
On June 16, 2020, the military tribunal found him guilty on all charges, dismissed him from service in disgrace and dishonour, reduced his rank from Major General to Brigadier General, and issued a severe reprimand.
The Army Council later endorsed the verdict on November 24, 2020.
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Unhappy with the outcome, Otiki appealed to the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, in appeal number CA/ABJ/CR/54/2022.
His counsel, Israel Olorundare, argued that the former GOC neither stole nor concealed the missing funds, insisting that he promptly reported the incident and personally refunded the money.
The defence further maintained that the projects linked to the funds had either been completed or were nearing completion.
On December 5, 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled in his favour, voiding the entire proceedings and judgment of the General Court Martial.
The court also discharged and acquitted him, restored his rank of Major General, and ordered the payment of all salaries, allowances, entitlements, as well as a refund of previously forfeited sums.
The Nigerian Army subsequently challenged that ruling at the Supreme Court in appeal number SC/CR/96/2025, but the apex court ultimately affirmed the Court of Appeal’s decision, bringing the matter to a close in Otiki’s favour.